- 9 Days
- 4,500 m
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is an exciting hiking adventure that combines two popular trails in Nepal’s Annapurna region. You can combine the best parts of the local villages, forests, and Himalayan mountains on this amazing adventure.
The trek is divided into two parts – first is the famous Poon Hill hike, and second is the newer but equally stunning Mardi Himal trek.
On the Poon Hill section, you’ll hike through rhododendron forests and charming villages to reach the beloved Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters. From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre at sunrise.
After Poon Hill, you’ll descend to join the Mardi Himal trail, trekking through more forests and villages. The Mardi Himal route takes you up to high altitude camps with stunning mountain vistas. The high point is the Upper Viewpoint where you can admire the soaring Annapurna peaks up close.
You’ll be able to take in Nepal’s famous mountain landscape throughout the walk, and you’ll get to know friendly ethnic groups like the Gurungs and Magars. Trekking through the trails of two popular treks is an amazing experience.
The best seasons to do this trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather is generally dry, clear, and mild, providing excellent visibility for the mountain views.
Spring is considered the best for rhododendron blooms that paint the forests in vibrant red and pink colors. Autumn offers crisp, sunny days perfect for trekking.
Winters (December-February) can be quite cold, especially at higher elevations, with a chance of snow. Summers (June-August) bring hot conditions and the possibility of afternoon cloud bursts.
Avoiding the monsoon (July-September) is advisable due to increased rainfall, potential landslides, and poor visibility. With proper preparation and gear, spring and fall remain the prime periods for this spectacular Himalayan trek.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty level. No prior trekking experience is required, but you need to be physically fit and healthy.
The trail is well-maintained, but there are still challenging uphill and downhill sections. Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary to help your body adjust to the increasing altitudes gradually.
With a good fitness level and preparation, most reasonably active people can complete this rewarding Himalayan adventure comfortably. The incredible mountain scenery makes the effort worthwhile.
Permit | Required | Fee |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Yes | 1. NPR 3,000 (USD 24 approx.) for foreigners
2. NPR 1,000 (USD 8 approx.) for SAARC nationals |
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card | Yes | 1. NPR 2,000 (USD 16 approx.) for foreigners
2. NPR 600 (USD 5 approx.) for SAARC nationals |
Trekking Permit for Restricted Areas | No |
For accommodation, you’ll be staying at teahouses or lodges run by local families along the trekking route. These provide basic but clean multi-share rooms and amenities.
In terms of food, the teahouses serve simple yet delicious Nepali meals like dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, curry), momos (dumplings), noodles, and pasta. You can also find more Continental options like pizza, pancakes, and bakery items in the lower region. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are readily available to keep you energized on the trails.
Here’s a packing list for the Ghorepani Poon Hill with Mardi Himal Trek:
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This trek is graded as easy to moderate in difficulty level. It is suitable for beginners with a decent level of physical fitness. However, no prior trekking experience is required.